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Care of Your Teeth and Gums When You Have Diabetes

Topic Overview

People with
diabetes have a greater risk for gum (periodontal)
disease when blood sugar is high. And gum disease can cause higher blood sugar levels, which makes it hard to fight infection, including infections in the mouth.

To help prevent dental problems, each
day:

Keep your blood sugar levels within your target
range.

Brush your teeth at least twice.

Floss once,
pressing the floss against your teeth and not your gums.

Check for
areas where your gums are red or painful.

To help prevent dental problems, see your dentist every 6
months. Before dental work starts, remind your dentist that you have diabetes.
Many dental treatments can affect your blood sugar.

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How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.